September in Arizona is the best time of the year. The weather during the day is not as hot, and it’s comfortably breezy at night. We can’t think of better timing for an outdoor movie night. It’s time to say goodbye to summer, so we might as well close the season out with a bang!
Our experts at Spencer’s TV & Appliance have figured out the details for you so that you and your family can focus on the big picture—on your outdoor TV, that is.
Keep your guest list short, mind the weather forecast, and take a look at our checklist for inspiration!
1. Set up your choice of movie screen
When it comes to your outdoor theater, you’ve got several options when it comes to the kind of screen you choose.
If you’re looking for a temporary setup, you may decide to roll out your living room TV and hook it up where there’s wiring. If you opt for this route, we suggest installing your TV and audio setup earlier in the evening so that you don’t run out of daylight for any troubleshooting. Since most TVs aren’t built to repel the more unforgiving elements of the outdoors (including bugs, dirt, direct sunlight, or rain), make sure your TV is safely tucked under a shelter, like roofing or a patio umbrella.
Alternatively, for a more permanent arrangement, you could invest in an outdoor TV that is built with a weather-proof exterior that also protects the internal components. The best outdoor TVs offer enhanced contrast in addition to an anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating outside the LCD screen.
Or if you prefer a bigger screen, you may invest in an outdoor projector—if you buy a WiFi-enabled model, this option also provides you more flexibility in terms of where you set up your outdoor movie night, whether it’s against a blank wall or a portable projector screen. Want to watch a movie while chilling by the pool? Now you can!
2. Hook up your outdoor sound system
To better replicate the experience of going to the drive-in, we think an outdoor speaker system is a no-brainer. But not just any Bluetooth party speaker will do.
A WiFi-enabled soundbar will pair perfectly with smart projectors and most modern TVs, including outdoor TVs. Carefully tuned with the help of Oscar-winning sound engineers, the Sonos Arc soundbar (ARC-BLK, ARC-WHT) delivers crystal clear dialogue and an immersive listening experience no matter where you are—including the busy outdoors.
3. Arrange the seating
If you’ve got a patio furniture set, most of the work is already done. Just remember to thoughtfully arrange your lounge furniture so that everyone can enjoy your outdoor movie night regardless of where they sit. And don’t forget to clean any fabric upholstery and decorative pillows that have already withstood a summer’s worth of use.
Or better yet, exercise some creativity! Floor pillows, picnic blankets, and soft throws make for a more intimate experience that reminds us of summertime sleepovers.
Lastly, dangle some Edison-style string lights and prop up some LED candles for ambiance.
4. Fire up some BBQ!
An outdoor movie night just doesn’t feel complete without some good barbecue. Fire up that grill to serve up some BBQ deliciousness, whether it’s tri-tip steaks, hot dogs, charred corn, shrimp skewers, grilled chicken, or burgers. The C-Series Coyote freestanding grill (C1C28LP-FS) is stocked with interior grill lighting, allowing for nighttime cooking under the stars.
If that doesn’t sound dreamy enough, how about some grill-smoked s’mores? That’s right—you don’t need a bonfire to make these ooey-gooey delights. Along with the usual fixings of jumbo marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate bars, high heat (about 400 degrees) and about one minute of patience is all you need.
5. Dole out the refreshments
You can’t have barbecue without a cold drink. Whether you’re partial to a lager, a fruity cocktail, or lemonade (especially if you’ve got underage kiddos around), we think craft ice provides next-level entertaining. With slow-melting round ice, you can enjoy chilled drinks for longer, thanks to dual ice makers from an LG French door refrigerator (LRFVS3006S, LRFVS3006D) that also automatically dispense cubed and crushed ice.
With several ice options accompanying your selection of beverages, being the coolest host around has taken on a whole new meaning.
6. Don’t forget dessert!
To round out your outdoor movie night, sweeten things up with some ice cream. A departure from classic offerings like popcorn and nachos, this frozen dessert will have guests leaving full and satisfied (and it is the ultimate comfort treat if the movie ending has everyone in tears).
If you like to cultivate an outdoor kitchen for entertaining, a chest freezer stocked with popsicles and pints of Ben & Jerry’s will ensure your family will want to have outdoor movie nights more often.
For all your electronics and appliance needs, look no further than our catalog. And for answers to any related questions, be sure to contact our friendly staff of experts at Spencer’s TV & Appliance! We are always happy to help. Call or visit us today.